Bangladesh’s 2-1 ODI series loss in Sri Lanka came down to a failure to play their natural game, believes former captain Akram Khan, who pointed to mental fragility and mounting pressure as key reasons behind the team’s struggles.
While the Test series ended in a draw, the ODI leg exposed major flaws in Bangladesh’s batting. Despite levelling the series in the second match, they collapsed again in the third ODI on 8 July, handing the hosts a series victory. In none of the three games did Bangladesh last 50 overs—bowled out for 167 in 49.2 overs, then 248 in 45.5, and finally 189 in just 39.4 overs.
On a rain-soaked Wednesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, BCB director Akram voiced concern. “It looks like our batters are not playing the natural cricket they usually do in the Dhaka League or at home. Maybe they’re too focused on the overs,” said the former captain. “Mentally, they don’t seem fit. They may be taking on too much pressure.”
Parvez Hossain Emon’s 67 was the highest score by a Bangladeshi in the series, highlighting the overall failure with the bat. According to Akram, the players’ body language and repeated mistakes suggested they were unable to cope with pressure. “From a distance, it seemed like the players were playing under pressure,” he said. “And when that happens, you cannot play your natural cricket. Looking at their batting style, the mistakes, and their attitude, I don’t think they were mentally in the right place.”
Akram also warned that on-field behaviour during the matches could have long-term consequences for the team. In the second ODI, Towhid Hridoy reacted angrily after a mix-up with Tanzim Sakib led to a run-out, slamming his bat on the ground. In the first match, Najmul Hossain Shanto was visibly upset when Tanzid Tamim did not respond to a call for a second run.
“Some of the players’ attitudes can negatively affect the team,” Akram said. “You get run out and then show that kind of frustration… the truth is, no one in this team is a superstar. Everyone is equally important. If this continues, the team will keep heading in the wrong direction.”
“To play proper cricket, you need all-round improvement,” he concluded.
